Can I Install a New Gas Furnace and Still Use My Pre-Existing Ductwork?

When installing a new furnace in your home to prepare for Chicago’s harsh winters, you may be wondering if you can use your pre-existing ducts. If your new gas furnace is similar to your current one, it’s possible that it can use the same ducts without any complications.

Not only would this help to simplify the installation process, but it could also save you money on the overall installation costs. However, the answer isn’t always straightforward. In some cases, you can utilize your existing ductwork for your new furnace, while in other situations, it may not be possible. Whether or not the pre-existing ductwork within your home can be used when installing a new furnace depends on several important factors.

The best way to determine if you can use your pre-existing ductwork when installing a new furnace in your home in the Chicagoland area is to contact our heating professionals at Four Seasons Heating & Cooling in Chicago, Illinois. Our experienced and dedicated team will assess the condition and compatibility of your current ductwork with the new furnace, ensuring that your system operates efficiently and effectively throughout the winter months. By relying on our knowledge, you can make an informed decision that maximizes comfort and energy savings in your home.

Factors That Determine If You Can Use Pre-Existing Ductwork When Installing a New Gas Furnace

Several factors will be reviewed to determine whether or not you can use your pre-existing ductwork when installing a new furnace in Chicago, Illinois. Our team at Four Seasons Heating & Cooling can conduct a thorough inspection of your ductwork and new furnace to help you decide what is best for your home and overall heating needs. With our experienced guidance, you can ensure that your system is set up for optimal performance and efficiency. Here are the main factors we look at:

• You Are Installing a Furnace Similar to Your Current One – If your new furnace is similar to your current one, even if it has a higher efficiency rating and additional features, it can likely work just fine with the existing ducts in your home without complications. Some minor adjustments at the connectors may be required for optimal performance, but no extensive changes should be necessary.
• You Have a High-Efficiency Furnace – In most cases, high-efficiency furnaces do not require new ductwork, as they are designed to be implemented with existing ductwork. Our furnace installation technicians can perform duct testing along the ventilation system to check for leaks or other issues that could result in heat loss, and provide repairs. If your ductwork has been well-maintained over the years, you should encounter very few, if any, problems when installing your new furnace.
• The Ductwork is Extremely Old or in Poor Shape – If your ductwork is very old or has been subject to frequent leaks and numerous repairs, we may recommend at least partial replacement of your ductwork before installing the new furnace. Our HVAC installation team can conduct duct testing to assess the extent of leaks and other issues to give you peace of mind. We will then provide an estimate for any necessary work to ensure that your new furnace operates at its full efficiency.

How To Install A Gas Furnace And Ductwork

With over 50 years of experience in the industry, our team at Four Seasons Heating & Cooling has perfected the process of installing new furnaces and ductwork in the Chicagoland area when needed. Our furnace installation process is simple yet effective, ensuring that your home is heated efficiently and reliably just in time for the colder months. You can trust our experienced furnace replacement and installation professionals to deliver top-notch service, keeping your home warm and comfortable throughout the winter season.

1. Arrival and Preparation – Before unboxing your new furnace, our Chicago furnace installation team will arrive at your home and get familiar with the spaces they will be working in. We want to be respectful of your home, so we wear shoe covers upon request and lay down drop cloths to protect your home as we move through it.
2. Accessing the Installation Area – Whether your existing furnace is located in a basement, crawlspace, utility closet, garage, or attic, we will need access to it, so please make sure it is easily accessible. Our furnace technicians will also need to reach your electric panel/breaker box, and if you’re having a humidifier installed along with the furnace, we’ll also need to locate the water lines. Once these areas are located and ready for us to work, we will prep them and begin removing the old furnace.
3. Referencing Manufacturer Instructions – Throughout the installation of your new furnace, we follow the manufacturer’s instructions closely so that we do not disrupt any warranty you may have on it. Although our technicians are well-trained, each unit has specific factory settings that must be adhered to. These instructions guide us from start to finish.
4. Site Preparation – Our next step is to remove your old furnace, and we may also need to remove some connecting ductwork and flue pipes to make space for the new unit. If you need to have your ductwork replaced, we will also do this before installing the new furnace. Preparation for your new furnace installation also includes turning off the gas and electric lines to the furnace and air conditioner, as well as bringing in and unboxing the new heating equipment.
5. Deciding Duct and Drain Placement – Depending on the configuration of your new furnace and existing main duct run, our Chicago furnace installation team will position the new unit where it needs to go and decide the best location for the drain, PVC pipes, and ductwork connections.
6. Connecting to the Ducting System – Creating a clean, aesthetically pleasing duct run from the furnace to the main ductwork is an important part of the furnace installation process. Our furnace installation technicians are experienced in working with sheet metal, ensuring this part of the installation is done according to the manufacturer’s specifications and is aesthetically pleasing.
7. Connecting Vent Pipes – Proper vent pipe connection is also an essential part of the process for a safe gas furnace installation in Chicago, Illinois. These pipes carry carbon monoxide out of your home, so it’s vital to our team that we ensure they are configured and sealed correctly.
8. Connecting the Gas Supply – Once the vent pipes are secure, we will then connect the gas lines to the gas valve of the new furnace. We know how important this step is, so we take extra care to be as thorough as possible to avoid any dangerous leaks.
9. Connecting the Electrical Supply – The new furnace will then need to be wired with both low and high-voltage connections according to the manufacturer’s instructions and local building codes in your area. Proper electrical connections make sure the system functions correctly and safely, preventing issues like shutdowns or poor performance.
10. Connecting the Condensate Drain – The condensate drain component of your furnace prevents water from backing up and flooding around the furnace. We will connect the PVC pipes to direct this water to the condensate drain or pump, ensuring the furnace drains properly.
11. Final Checks – Before firing up the furnace for the first time, our furnace technicians will perform a series of pre-checks to ensure all previous steps were completed correctly, making sure we did an accurate and thorough job.
12. Test Run – After confirming everything is in order, we will turn the electric and gas utilities back on and start up the furnace. Our team will monitor and program necessary settings at both the furnace and thermostat during this initial test run. Once everything is set, the main furnace panel will be attached, and our team will review the installation with you.

Furnace Replacement Cost

The cost to replace a furnace in the Chicagoland area will vary depending on several factors, especially if your ductwork needs to be replaced. The complexity of the installation, the type of furnace you are choosing to replace the old one with, the size of your home, and the condition of your existing ductwork all play a significant role in determining the overall cost of furnace installation. If your ductwork requires repair or replacement, this can further add to the cost of replacement, but it’s an essential step to ensure your new furnace operates efficiently.

Contact Our Team in Chicago, Illinois, To Learn More

The best way to get an accurate estimate of your furnace replacement cost, as well as determine whether or not you can use your current ductwork, is to contact our team of furnace installation experts at Four Seasons Heating & Cooling in Chicago, Illinois, IL. Our experienced professionals will assess your current furnace, new furnace, and existing ductwork, providing you with a detailed estimate that reflects your home’s unique needs. This way, you can make an informed and accurate decision and ensure your home is ready for the colder months ahead. Call today: 866-444-2404